What leadership style is described by a head nurse who makes decisions for everyone without consulting anyone?

• A. Laissez-faire
• B. Democratic
• C. Autocratic
• D. Managerial

Answer: (C)

Autocratic leadership is when one person makes decisions for the group with little to no input from others. In this scenario, the head nurse decides for everyone without consulting anyone, issuing directives and assigning tasks unilaterally. This centralizes authority and can lead to quick, decisive action, which can be useful in urgent situations. However, it can harm team morale, curb staff initiative, and reduce buy-in because the staff may feel their input isn’t valued. It’s not democratic because it avoids consultation, not laissez-faire because it doesn’t empower others to decide, and “managerial” isn’t the typical term used for a leadership style in this context.